Tara Walker

Ms. Walker is an elementary school teacher at Colorado Connections Academy. She began her teaching career in 2004, joined Connections Academy in 2007, and is now a lead teacher. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in behavioral science from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Here’s Ms. Walker’s story below.

“I love the opportunity to individualize instruction for every student. Children are naturally curious, and it’s exciting to see what they want to explore when they have more options in and control of their education. At Connections Academy, a student can slow down and learn to his or her heart’s content, or speed up if he or she already understands the material.

I think my desire to become a teacher started in first grade when my teacher asked me to read stories for the class. It started with a love of reading and grew because I was excited about learning. I found education to be an empowering experience that gave me more opportunities than anyone in my family had ever experienced. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. After my experience, I wanted to be a teacher so I could help other students reach their potential.

The flexibility of our program also allows students to reach for their dreams. I have had students who were ice skaters, competitive motocross racers—and one of my students was the Colorado spelling bee champion and competed at the Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! I can’t tell you about all of my students who are able to have amazing adventures with their families or pursue their dreams, because there would be too many to list. That is why I love teaching at Colorado Connections Academy.”

I love the opportunity to individualize instruction for every student. At Connections Academy, a student can slow down and learn to his or her heart’s content, or speed up if he or she already understands the material.
— Ms. Walker